Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

Lockout is the process of locking away hazardous energy, while tagout involves placing danger signs and information on control points of hazardous energy. In another word, Lockout Tagout (LOTO) is a planned safety procedure that involves turning off the energy supply of industrial machinery and equipment whilst maintenance work or repairs are being carried out. This procedure protects workers from the risks posed by live machinery or electricity.

Workplace accidents not only cause harm physically and mentally to employees but also financial harm to employers. An effective lockout/tagout procedure saves lives, time, and money by reducing workplace accidents, limiting downtime, and increasing the efficiency of inspection and maintenance procedures.

Lockout Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used in various industries to protect workers from the unexpected startup of machinery or equipment during maintenance, repair, or servicing activities. It involves the use of locks and tags to physically isolate and control energy sources, ensuring that machines or equipment cannot be operated while maintenance or servicing work is being performed. LOTO is essential to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by accidental energization of machinery. 

Some common scenarios when you use Lockout Tagout (LOTO):

1. Scheduled Maintenance: LOTO is used during planned maintenance activities when machinery or equipment needs to be shut down for inspection, repair, cleaning, or adjustment.
2. Emergency Repairs: In emergency situations where immediate maintenance is required, LOTO can still be implemented to prevent hazardous conditions during the repair process. Even in urgent cases, safety should not be compromised.
3. Machine Jam or Blockage: If a machine becomes jammed or blocked during operation, LOTO is applied before attempting to clear the obstruction. This ensures that the machine cannot restart unexpectedly while workers are addressing the issue.
4. Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: LOTO may be used during troubleshooting or diagnostic procedures to prevent inadvertent activation of the equipment while technicians are examining its components.
5. Cleaning and Sanitization: When cleaning or sanitizing machinery and equipment, LOTO may be employed to ensure that the equipment remains in a safe, de-energized state during the cleaning process.
6. Installation and Assembly: LOTO can be used during the installation or assembly of new machinery or equipment to protect workers from accidental startup during the setup phase.
7. Adjustments and Calibration: LOTO is applied when making adjustments or calibrating machinery to ensure that no energy source can be activated while the adjustments are being made.
8. Inspection and Testing: When inspecting or testing machinery or equipment, LOTO may be utilized to prevent any inadvertent activation of energy sources during the inspection process. 

LOTO creates a safe work environment and prevents injuries caused by unexpected startup or release of stored energy in equipment. Proper training, clear procedures, and effective communication are essential when implementing Lockout Tagout to ensure its successful and safe application.